John McKean Papers & Articles
This page preserves published articles and personal papers from outdoor writer John McKean, whose work frequently referenced DeLong Lures across multiple decades. McKean was a recognized fishing writer whose articles appeared in regional and national publications, including Bassin Magazine and other outdoor media.
In addition to published articles, this archive includes handwritten notes, annotations, and unpublished materials that were transferred with DeLong Lures at the time of acquisition. These papers provide firsthand insight into how DeLong soft-plastic lures were used, evaluated, and discussed by an experienced angler and writer.
Published Articles
This section preserves articles written by John McKean that reference DeLong Lures, including discussions of straight-tail worms, scent, stiffness, and slow-presentation techniques associated with trophy bass fishing.
Publications represented include:
- Bassin Magazine
- Regional outdoor publications
- Technique-focused bass fishing articles
These articles represent independent third-party commentary published during periods when DeLong Lures products were widely available and actively fished.
Personal Notes & Papers
This section contains handwritten notes, margin annotations, and unpublished observations from John McKean. These materials were retained as part of the company’s historical records and were included with the acquisition of DeLong Lures.
The papers reflect McKean’s personal observations on:
- Soft-plastic worm action and presentation
- Fishing pressured waters and slow techniques
- Lure texture, stiffness, and scent
- Situational use of straight-tail worms and larger profiles
These materials are preserved for historical context and are presented as observations rather than formal published claims.
Historical Context
John McKean’s writings and notes offer perspective into how DeLong Lures were perceived by knowledgeable anglers during periods when soft-plastic technology was still evolving. His emphasis on subtle action, natural presentation, and durability aligns closely with historical descriptions found in DeLong catalogs and national magazine coverage from the same eras.
Together, McKean’s published work and personal papers help document how DeLong lures fit into broader developments in bass fishing techniques and tackle design.
Archive Reference
This page is part of the DeLong Lures Historical Archive and preserves both published and unpublished materials related to DeLong Lures’ historical use and documentation.